Fitzgerald, Denise

Inspection report for early years provision

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312022 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Kay Margaret Armstrong Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1986. She lives with her husband and their adult daughter and 16 year old child. The family have a pet cat and they live in the Audenshaw area Tameside, close to shops, parks and the library. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom. The rear garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for seven children, one of whom attends on a full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is a member of the local network and has achieved the Children Come First Quality Assurance. The childminder gains support from the local authority.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy because the childminder provides a clean and well maintained home where children are well supported with their personal care. For example, they know to wash their hands at appropriate times in the day. The childminder ensures that the toys and equipment are cleaned to a good standard of cleanliness and good nappy changing procedures are in place, which includes hygienic disposal of nappies. This minimises the risk of cross-infection and enhances children’s health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy nutritious meals and snacks, which promote their growth and development. They enjoy a varied diet of home made meals, which include shepherds pie with concealed vegetables, mild curries and pasta dishes. Children are encouraged to learn about health eating and the childminder is pro-active and provides children with meaningful experiences. For example, children make their own burgers and pizzas using a variety of healthy toppings. Children develop good table manners and social skills as they sit together at mealtimes. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents and children's preferences are well catered for. Children are kept well hydrated throughout the day as drinks are easily accessible in their own cups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular outdoor physical play, which encourages them to develop their skills and be active. For example, they refine their physical skills as they play in the garden with a good range of equipment. Children also enjoy the benefits of fresh air through regular trips to the park. They walk to and from toddler group and school, which further promotes their well-being and health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of belonging as they make themselves comfortable in the warm and welcoming home. They independently choose activities from a broad range of toys and resources, which are easily accessible and appropriate to their age and stage of development. The toys are well maintained to a high standard as they are purchased from reputable shops, and are regularly checked to ensure they are safe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of injury is minimised as the childminder has a good awareness of safety. For example, she offers good supervision, appropriate safety measures are in place, such as locks securely fitted on kitchen cupboards, the exterior doors are locked. However, the cords to the blinds in the conservatory pose a risk to children's safety. Children's safety when on outings is well considered as the childminder sets a good example when crossing the road. She always uses the pelican crossing and encourages children to stop, look and listen for traffic. Children are developing a good awareness of keeping themselves and others safe. For example, a clear written fire procedure is in place which is practised regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because they are cared for by a childminder who understands the importance of child protection issues. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of procedures to follow. Children's well-being is further enhanced as the childminder has completed recent safeguarding children training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's welfare is promoted and their individual needs are met through the range of activities that include opportunities for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. The relaxed atmosphere enables children to settle quickly. Warm and caring relationships have been established between the childminder and children, which increases children’s sense of trust and belonging. The children are happy and have a really positive relationship with the childminder. She offers comfort and reassurance through appropriate cuddles and hugs. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder’s home. They achieve well because the childminder is skilled and uses her understanding of early year’s guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, to provide good quality care for the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a wide range of activities. They develop concentration and coordination as they complete jigsaws and play imaginatively with trains they have built from construction sets. They snuggle into the childminder as they look at books together. They enjoy exploring toys with pulsating lights and music, moving their bodies to the rhythm. Children enjoy regular outings, where they have the opportunity to socialise with their peers for instance, at toddler groups and in the parks. Outings are used effectively to promote learning opportunities, such as at the childminding group where children are amazed by the bugs and beasts provided by ‘zoo lab’. Photographic evidence shows children enjoying themselves on visits to the zoo and seaside.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and play a full part in the setting, because the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory play. The children's understanding of the world around them is promoted through the broad range of activities, everyday experiences and resources that reflect diversity. As a result children are becoming aware of difference and developing a positive attitude to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder supports younger children in sharing and turn taking. The children understand the boundaries, which are clear and consistent, as they have helped to establish these. This helps them to learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. The childminder speaks very positively to children, using encouragement effectively to support their efforts and foster their independence. Good behaviour is acknowledged, celebrated and praised appropriately. As a result, the children are confident and have high self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder has established with their parents, as their individual needs are consistently recognised and met. The childminder has devised a range of comprehensive written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents. Informal daily discussions and the effective use of daily diaries, keep parents and the childminder up to date with the children's routines and any changes that may have occurred. This ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder as they are welcomed into a warm and homely environment. Children benefit from the caring attention of the childminder. Routines which are familiar and consistent with children's life at home ensure that they feel secure. Space is organised effectively and the childminder provides a good range of activities to interest the children, who make good progress in their development.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to develop her professional practice and children benefit as she has attended training to up-date her knowledge and practice. First aid training is kept up to date, to enable the childminder to administer treatment if necessary. The childminder has a good understanding of the regulations and meets the requirements, as outlined in the National Standards for Childminding. Records and documentation are well maintained, which contribute to the health, safety and welfare of the children. The childminder cares for children within the required adult to child ratios, which ensures that they are safe and she is able to support their play and learning. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make the fire safe or inaccessible. The fire has been made inaccessible to the children and is observed to be safe, therefore, children are able to play safely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the cords to the blinds in the conservatory do not pose a hazard to the children.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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